The first Mother’s Day with a baby really gets a girl thinking. Thinking about all the times I blew off with a quick card for my mother because I didn’t think it was a big deal. Thinking about the lessons I’ve learned from my mom. Thinking about the memories and recipes that both of my grandmothers have shared with me. Just thinking.
Yesterday I found myself in the same position that many mothers do. Wanting to enjoy the day and just be with my child, but also wanting to celebrate with my family. So, because really, having someone entertain my child while I cook IS fun and relaxing for me, I hosted brunch for Craig’s parents and dinner for mine.
There was a plan to eat brunch at 11:30. The plan included my child napping around 9 so I could shower and get the hashbrown quiche started by 10:30. Are you laughing yet? For an hour, as I battled with my daughter to nap, begged, pleaded and swore under my breath, I thought about the contradiction of motherhood.
Motherhood is rewarding and it is thankless.
Motherhood is instinctive and it is learning.
Motherhood is lonely and it is never being alone.
Motherhood is raw and it is breathtaking.
Mohterhood is being vulnerable and it is being strong.
Motherhood is heartbreaking and it is uplifting.
Motherhood is having too many pictures and never having enough.
Motherhood is ordinary. And it is amazing.
These moments, these challenges, these everyday contradictions of being a parent are what make me a mother. Without the frustration, I wouldn’t feel the love so deeply. Without the guilt I wouldn’t appreciate the sacrifice. Without the joy, the tears might just be too much.
It is the contradictions that keep me grounded. There is nothing special about these moments, except that they are mine. They are ours. They are what make us mother and daughter. And she is what makes us a family.
So, on Mother’s Day we still celebrated. We just celebrated an hour late.
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Lovely post
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just one thing… I THINK you meant that you thought about the “contradiction” of motherhood, not the contraction? lol. Or maybe the contraction… that would be funny too
“Motherhood is lonely and it is never being alone.” This one really speaks to me. It’s so true.
I, too, could relate to motherhood being lonely and never being alone at the same time. Motherhood is definitely tough, but the good moments bring more satisfaction than anywhere else.
I think this is one of my favourite blog posts ever.
Beautiful post.
That’s such a lovely post – but of course I was sidetracked with a few giggles about expecting your princess to actually sleep when you wanted her to?! hehehe.
Isn’t it funny how we’re still “the mommy”…even on Mother’s Day.
Last year on Mother’s Day my husband and kids brought me breakfast in bed. I youngest daughter who was three at the time climbed up next to me and quickly threw-up all over my breakfast tray and bed.
It’s funny to think about now, but at that moment it motherhood wasn’t so “rewarding.”
I agree, the job never ends..even on Mother’s Day. It’s good that you were able to put these things in perspective and not get too frazzled over things not going exactly according to plan. You are much braver than I am. I would have NEVER been able to pull off hosting 2 meals in the same day like that.
Thank you for this. I was feeling a little discouraged about the way my own Mother’s Day went. I really needed to read another post that wasn’t completely sugar coated about Mother’s Day!
I love that part about having too many pictures, but not enough!! This is totally me!!
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